Howard Ray “Corky” McWilliams, age 70, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2015. He was born on July 30, 1945 in Conroe, where he was raised. He graduated from Reagan High School and was a 4 year member of the ROTC before attending Texas A&M. He graduated from US Army Officer Candidate School and served in the US Army from May of 1967 until May of 1969 in Vietnam, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant and receiving the Bronze Star. Corky was a general contractor with J&C Enterprises, a member of the Conroe Noon Lions Club, a lifetime member of the Montgomery County Fair Association and a Master Mason of Conroe Lodge No.748 A.F. & A.M. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. He was a founding and 50-year member of Benders Pasture Hunting Club. Corky truly loved Conroe.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Moore McWilliams, and her husband, Albert McWilliams; and his grandparents, Thomas DeWitt Moore and wife Mary Louis Traylor Moore. He is survived by his wife, Caroline Griffin McWilliams; daughter, Dr. Michele Blackwell and husband Dr. Thomas Blackwell; daughter, Robin McWilliams; grandchildren, Taylor Blackwell, Hunter Blackwell and Kelli Blackwell; sister, Cindy Soley; nieces, Kim DeLong, Lisa Swonke and Kristin Marks; stepson, Bob Griffin; and numerous other relatives.
A Celebration of Corky’s life will be held at 5:30 pm on Monday, October 19, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church of Conroe, 4308 W Davis, Conroe, Texas 77304. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Corky’s name to the Texas Lions Camp, PO Box 290247, Kerrville, TX 78029.